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Media Advisory No. 5221.11
Contact: Office of Communications
(202) 720-4623
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan to Introduce New Risk Management Tool to Help Producers Achieve GAP Certification
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2011 – TODAY, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, along with leaders from food and agriculture organizations, will host a media availability to introduce a free online tool to help U.S. producers of all sizes achieve Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, helping to further expand economic opportunities for American agriculture. The free online tool—developed by FamilyFarmed.org with funding from USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA)—helps farmers design a customized manual to meet GAP certification requirements and mitigate business risks by answering just a few questions. The online tool is the first of its kind and was developed by a broad coalition of farm and produce industry partners.
Speakers at the media availability will include: Jim Slama, President, FamilyFarmed.org; Will Daniels, Sr. VP Operations and Organic Integrity, Earthbound Farm; Michelle Smith, Senior Policy Analyst, FDA; David Gombas, Sr. VP Food Safety and Technology, United Fresh Produce Association; Marc Zammit, VP, Sustainability and Culinary Initiatives, Compass Group; Phil Petrilli, Regional Director, Chipotle Mexican Grill; and Steve Murray, Murray Family Farms, User of the On-Farm Food Safety Project tool.
The event is open to the media and a conference call line is available for those unable to attend.
Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011
3:30 p.m. EST
WHAT: Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and leaders from food and agriculture organizations introduce new risk management tool to help producers achieve GAP certification.
WHERE: Room 107-A, Jamie Whitten Building (use Jefferson Drive entrance)
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20250
DIAL IN: 800-857-5233
Passcode: SECY (Given Verbally)
Trouble number: 202-720-8560
CALLERS: To join the Q&A portion of the meeting for MEDIA ONLY, please press *1 on
your touch tone phone.
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